Roof Repair for the Dangers of Missing Shingles

September 19, 2018

Many believe a foundation is the key to any building or construction project. While they wouldn’t necessarily be wrong and although it may be the first step in a long process, there are other areas which deserve just as much credit and attention to detail. The roof design, components, and structural integrity are vitally important to securing a building with long-lasting implications. The foundation may be composed of the very first building blocks as the project unfolds, providing a steady base for the future but ensuring your structure will stand the test of time begins with the first line of defense against the elements. A strong and sturdy protection from rain, wind, snow, and even the sunshine or heat can greatly lengthen the amount of time a building will last and serve its intended purpose. Any damage to this outer layer should be taken seriously and immediately given the appropriate consideration for either repair or replacement.

Just as a crack in the foundation would require immediate attention, any breach in the structure’s outer layer should also be highlighted. While there are many different types of roof structures and materials available for use, the most common involve shingles. Whether old wooden shingles or the newer composite materials, if there is a noticeable absence of either from the roof structure then measures should begin to assess the amount of damage suffered and what needs to be done in order to repair or replace the gap.

Following is a look at the potential causes of roof damage, the steps to replace an absence and the dangers missing shingles may provide for a structure.

Causes of Shingle Damage/Removal

Exposed to the elements and essentially the first line of defense against their penetration into a structure, the causes of damage are closely tied to Mother Nature and her weather patterns. While shingles are all nailed into place, the results of severe weather can create issues which need to be given special consideration for repair.

One of the most common reasons for roof leaks involves missing shingles which may or may not be noticeable from the ground level. These shingles are often removed from high winds which can tear shingles away from their place on the roof. The wear and tear of exposure to the elements can also cause shingles to decay and fail if exposed to varying weather patterns and the frequent freeze and thaw patterns associated with a Colorado winter.

Evaluation/Inspection

As stated, the damage may be obvious and easily noticeable from the ground level, depending on the severity, but it can also occur without being marked for repair without a proper evaluation. Instead of electing to only approach the subject when an obvious need arises, routine examinations should be conducted for multiple purposes.

Not only do routine inspections allow for individuals to find potential damage early in the process, but it also provides a baseline from which people can operate for comparison purposes. Knowing exactly how your roof structure is built and where potential issues may arise can help in creating a safe environment for years to come.

These measures are best implemented on a regular basis to help understand the components of a roof structure and highlight any damage which may have occurred. Not only do these checks assist in upholding the integrity of the structure but they should be executed following any severe weather as well. Knowing how to check for storm damage and what to look for is a critical first step in the process of ensuring a roof maintains its viability and protection over a structure forever.

Repair Options

Depending on the amount of damage which has occurred, the repair options available to a home or business owner will vary. While multiple assessments of the same scenario may lead to varying options for repair, the onus lies on the property owner for determining the measures needed in order to commit to the future structural integrity of a property.

From an entire roof repair and installation, to simply replacing the few missing shingles, a variety of different options will likely be available to any home or business owner. Ensuring what steps are taken lead to a comfortable future for the inhabitants of the building is important and the severity of the damage inflicted will likely dictate what measures need to be addressed in an effort to make the necessary fix.

Dangers of Missing Shingles

Caused by a variety of different factors, the dangers of missing shingles can lead to a leaky roof and a host of other unwelcome issues. Water damage is especially hard to resolve, especially when entering from above the structure. The missing shingles can also allow water to penetrate down into the building causing water damage elsewhere in a unit. Should this occur, the problem only expands as the shingles go unreplaced.

Not only can missing shingles create issues for water damage, especially from snowfall which slowly melts into the property breaching the roof seal. But the missing shingles also can prohibit heat and air loss which will greatly influence the energy efficiency capabilities of a refreshed seal or repair.

With over a decade of quality service and experience within the Denver area, Arvada Roofing and Construction has been providing roof construction, repair, and a variety of other services for nearly two decades. Every shingle roof installed by our team of experts includes measures to ensure owners won’t have to face this situation with quality construction and dedication to detail. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are weighing extreme options between a new roof or potentially purchasing another home and are in need of a professional review and analysis of the current structure, we are here to help. Our certified and highly trained staff is here to handle any roofing job in addition to providing a variety of other services such as seamless guttering systems, or any potential damage analysis thought to be caused by severe weather for the purposes of insurance reporting. Contact us today online or call 303-432-2753 for your free estimate on any of the above mentioned projects!